Your Accommodation/Itinerary

Melbourne to Lorne (142km), Lorne

Collect your car and make your way to the iconic Great Ocean Road with its stunning limestone rock formations, quintessential surf towns and spectacular national parks. The drive takes you from Torquay to Port Fairy, with photo-worthy views around every bend. Watch the pro surfers rip at the famous Bells Beach, before making your way to the coastal town of Lorne.

Set on the Great Ocean Road, Lorne’s fresh air, white beaches & buzzing community have made Lorne the quintessential holiday retreat. Take a stroll along Shelley Beach and explore the rock pools, or take a dip in the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay. Nature lovers will enjoy the misty waterfalls, giant ferns and the ancient forest of the nearby Great Otway National Park. Erskine Falls, is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, plunging 30 metres into the gully of the Erskine River.

Head down to the main shopping strip where you will find boutique stores, galleries and a selection of eateries. Sit back and relax at a sidewalk caf’, pack a picnic and sit under the trees of the foreshore, or dine on fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Suggest 1 night in Lorne.

Lorne to Apollo Bay (46km), Apollo Bay

Take your time as you make your way to Apollo Bay stopping for many photo opportunities of breathtaking views from this section of the Great Ocean Road. Take a stroll along the 3km stretch of beach at Apollo Bay, and be sure to dip your toes in the water on those warmer days. Dine on fresh local caught seafood in Apollo Bay – try the fish and chips on the harbour at Fishermen’s Co-op, or the famous scallop pie from the Apollo Bay Bakery, your taste buds will thank you!

Suggest 1 night in Apollo Bay (or combine 2 nights in Lorne or Apollo Bay).

Apollo Bay to Port Fairy via Twelve Apostles (185km), Port Fairy

As you depart Apollo Bay, drive along the coast passing the Great Otway National Park, making your way to the Twelve Apostles. Be amazed by the stunning craggy limestone cliffs with the magnificent rock stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean along the dramatic coastline. Over millions of years, the cliffs eroded forming caves which eventually became arches, later collapsing creating rock stacks rising up to 45 metres high and isolated from the shore.

As you drive a little further west, stop at the viewing platform of London Bridge and take in the sweeping views of the impressive offshore rock formation, originally a natural archway which collapsed in 1990. Drive further west to the last town along the Great Ocean Road of Port Fairy.

This charming fishing village boasts quaint cottages, Norfolk pines, a buzzing art scene, and old stone churches. Discover charming, fully restored white-washed cottages built by whalers and seamen beside Georgian-style merchants’ homes and grand public buildings as you wander through the village. For a spot of shopping, peruse the diverse range of boutique, antique or art & craft stores scattered throughout town. Head down to the busy port and see the fishermen unload their catch of crayfish and abalone. During the winter months keep an eye out for whales off the coast. Every second Saturday head to the Port Fairy Farmers’ Market for local fresh produce located at Railway Place. There are many great eateries to sample the best of the region’s fresh produce; dine at one of the great pubs, cafes or restaurants. Visit Victoria’s oldest inn, the Merrijig Kitchen Inn, for a memorable gourmet experience featuring seasonal produce inspired by French cuisine.

Suggest 2 nights in Port Fairy

Port Fairy to Halls Gap (Grampians) (156km), Halls Gap

Drive about an hour north to Dunkeld, the gateway to the southern end of the Grampians. Explore the beauty of the Grampians, a series of rugged sandstone mountain ranges and forests rich with wildlife and home to significant Aboriginal rock art. Stop into the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld for lunch, overlooking the stunning backdrop of the twin peaks of Mounts Sturgeon and Abrupt. Continue your drive through the scenic Grampians Road through the national park to Halls Gap. Halls Gap is home to a plethora of native wildlife and wildflowers, and offers a range of activities from hiking, canoeing, fishing and for the more adventurous, rock climbing and abseiling. Learn about the region’s Aboriginal history and culture at the Brambuk Cultural Centre, or explore the ancient rock art sites nearby. Make sure you visit MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s largest and spectacular waterfalls, or a head up to one of the lookouts of Boroka, Reed or the Balconies for stunning views over Mount Willian and Wonderland Ranges.

Suggest 1 night in Halls Gap.

Halls Gap to Ballarat (142km), Ballarat

Make your way to Victoria’s largest inland city of Ballarat, a culinary hub with a heritage backdrop. Renowned for the gold rush, evident in the beautiful architecture, explore the tree-lined streets and admire the Victorian and Edwardian buildings and parks on a leisurely heritage walk. Visit Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, to view a fantastic collection of Australian art. After a day of exploring, sit back and enjoy one of the town’s popular eateries, breweries, bars or cafes, serving local produce, brews and wines. Visit the Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum and get a hands-on experience of the 1850s gold rush in Australia, complete with gold panning.

Ballarat to Melbourne (110km), Melbourne

Take a leisurely drive back to Melbourne for your trip home or extend your stay in Melbourne.

Inclusions

7 day Britz Discovery 4 Berth Motorhome hire, picking up & dropping off Melbourne up to a family of 4.

Unlimited kilometres.

Vehicle liability.

10% GST.

Shower & Toilet.

Linen and bedding.

Airport transfer upon vehicle collection and return.

Kitchen equipment.

General equipment.

In camper tablet with GPS, CamperHelp and more.

Travel between 26 June – 18 Oct 2023 for a surcharge of up to $200 per family.

FLEXIBLE FREE changes & cancellations up to 7 days prior to travel.

Suggested extra’s

Reduce your liability to NIL by adding a Britz Inclusive Pack from an extra $58 per vehicle per day.